From portraying Philip Seymour Hoffman’s son to inheriting his iconic role, Jesse Plemons’ latest casting in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is more than just another big-screen moment—it’s cinematic destiny.
A Full-Circle Casting Move
View this post on Instagram
Jesse Plemons is officially stepping into the arena. Lionsgate announced that the 37-year-old actor will portray a young Plutarch Heavensbee in Sunrise on the Reaping, the upcoming prequel to Suzanne Collins’ bestselling Hunger Games series. The role, originally played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in Catching Fire and Mockingjay, holds deep emotional weight for Plemons, who once played Hoffman’s son in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2012 drama The Master.
It’s surreal, one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). From sharing the screen with Hoffman to taking up his torch—it’s poetic.
And it truly is. Hoffman, who passed away in 2014, brought depth and gravitas to Plutarch, a Head Gamemaker turned revolutionary. Plemons, known for his thoughtful, often understated performances (Fargo, The Power of the Dog), seems a fitting successor.
Lionsgate’s Big Bet
Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, shared why Plemons was their top choice.
Jesse is one of the most talented actors of his generation, with a proven record of picking his roles selectively, Westerman said in a press release. We are honored that he has chosen to bring his own take to one of the most fascinating figures in Panem. His previous collaboration with Philip Seymour Hoffman makes it all the more special.
In Sunrise on the Reaping, Plutarch isn’t yet the rebel mastermind audiences remember. The story takes place during the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, decades before Katniss Everdeen’s uprising. At this point, Plutarch is a young Capitol cameraman—an observer of the cruelty, not yet a participant in rebellion.
A Strong Cast Assembles
Credit: indiewire.com
Plemons joins an impressive ensemble. Rising star Joseph Zada will play a young Haymitch Abernathy, the reluctant victor who becomes a mentor in the original trilogy. Mckenna Grace (Ghostbusters: Afterlife) steps in as Maysilee Donner, and Whitney Peak (Gossip Girl) takes on the role of Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend.
Francis Lawrence, who directed Catching Fire and both Mockingjay films, returns to helm the project, ensuring stylistic continuity and emotional depth.
From Tribute to Tribute Selector
Philip Seymour Hoffman’s portrayal of Plutarch was subtle, sly, and filled with hidden motivations. He helped orchestrate the rebellion from the inside—an act of immense courage. Plemons now has the chance to explore how that inner rebel first emerged.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the film will begin filming in 2025 and is slated for release on November 20, 2026.
It’s interesting to see Plutarch not as the puppet master, but as someone just waking up to injustice, said a Reddit user in r/HungerGames. And Plemons can play conflicted really well.
Fans Already Emotional
Longtime Hunger Games fans have taken to social media to share how the casting struck a chord. Some even revisited The Master to watch Hoffman and Plemons share screen time again.
This casting gave me chills, said one fan on TikTok. Feels like a passing of the torch between two great actors.
Plemons’ current project slate reflects his growing star power. Before Sunrise on the Reaping hits theaters, he’ll appear in Yorgos Lanthimos’ surreal sci-fi drama Bugonia, releasing November 7, 2025.
Honoring a Legacy
Credit: vulture.com
Hoffman’s final performance in Mockingjay Part 2 came just before his death, and much of his dialogue in the film had to be restructured or delivered through letters due to his passing. The emotional resonance of his character arc helped anchor the film’s powerful themes of resistance, sacrifice, and hope.
By casting Plemons, Lionsgate is not only investing in a brilliant actor, but also honoring Hoffman’s legacy in a meaningful way.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is shaping up to be more than a blockbuster—it’s a story of continuity, tribute, and evolution. With Jesse Plemons at the center, fans can expect a powerful exploration of Panem’s darker history and a fresh look at one of its most pivotal characters.
May the odds be ever in his favor.
Leave a comment